Eric Heisserer, who wrote the Thing reboot and Final Destination 5, has penned the script for the film, which expands upon Chiang’s 2000 Nebula novella winner. The story involves aliens landing on Earth, and Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist employed by the US Government, must race to discover their intentions.

Further investigation reveals that Dr. Banks learns to think as the aliens do, by learning their language, developing the ability to "chrono-synclastically" perceive time from the outside. In a nutshell, she's able to "remember" the future, which has implications, since she can see the ultimate fate of her currently unborn daughter.

While Nic Mathiueu was originally attached to the film, Villeneuve is the man in the big chair now. The producers – including Shawn Levy – are hoping to have the high-concept film shot later this year. Villeneuve, meanwhile, followed Prisoners with his next film, Enemy, which reunites him with Jake Gyllenhaal. It should be out sometime this year, but doesn’t have a solid UK date yet.